SPECIAL | feature
Aimée, the film’s producer, and her husband, J.R., the director, say their goal for the film is to inspire people to redefine aging, and for seniors to step out of the stereotype of inactivity, and discover the talents, experience and wisdom they have to offer. “Everyone deserves to find meaning and purpose in their life and to feel that they bring value to others in their community.” Cast member Pat describes how P.E.O. shaped her as a teacher. She said, “I was a young woman when I was initiated with a strong legacy in P.E.O. I am an educator and I currently serve on the projects committee in my chapter. All of these projects support education for women. In order for these projects to have meaning, they must be financially supported. The documentary is funny but carries a deeper meaning coming from older women but not exclusive to an older age.” Aimée drew inspiration from her experience with the philanthropic P.E.O. scholarship programs that assist women to reach their educational goals. She stated, “Being a part of P.E.O. has increased my awareness of the financial needs and stress students face in order to further their education. I am very excited to be able to use the film as a tool to raise funds for scholarship programs.” The film’s festival premiere was in October 2021 at the Black Bear Film Festival in Milford, Pennsylvania. The filmmakers are offering the film to organizations for virtual screenings and have successfully negotiated airing of the documentary Screen in Short Documentary
P.E.O. Stars Shine on
From the left: Karen Cooper (P.E.O.), Director J.R. Jones, Pat Beyle (P.E.O.), Jane Hauser and Mary Crabill
P.E.O. sisters and friends are featured in a short documentary called “Show Must Go On.” Pat Beyle, a 66-year member of P.E.O., Karen Cooper, a 40-year member, both in Chapter AT in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, film producer Aimée Jones, a 12-year member of Chapter BW in Wilmington, North Carolina, and others joined forces to create the short film. “Show Must Go On” follows Jane, Karen, Mary and Pat as they prepare for their final performance four friends have had many roles in life (housewife, mother, teacher, musician, adventurer) and discovered that each has made them the resilient woman they are today. Experiencing difficult transitions and loss, they have each found a new beginning for themselves. Against the backdrop of preparing for the final show together, they reflect on their journeys of discovering of a comedy variety show in their retirement community, The Cedars of Chapel Hill. These their hidden talents, giving viewers a new way of looking at the years ahead and the value they hold. Performing in front of sold-out audiences, these ladies embrace life, discover themselves along the way and encourage others to do the same.
on PBS in September and October of 2022 and in May, 2023.
From the left: Mary Crabill, Jane Hauser and P.E.O. Pat Beyle
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THE P.E.O. RECORD | May–June 2022
Women helping women reach for the stars
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